Chapter 319: Threats
The tension around the wooden table was so high that Arwin could practically taste it in the darkened air. Thick shadows gathered around their table and the noise from the rest of the tavern faded into little more than a distant buzz as Lillia’s magic worked to mute their conversation from anyone who might have been trying to listen.
Vix stood at the end of the table, her hands clenched tight at her sides. Rodrick observed her, leaned back in his chair, the tips of his fingers pressed together in silent confidence. There wasn’t a flicker of worry or fear in his posture.
Finally, Vix moved. She took a step forward and grabbed the back of a chair. She dragged it out and flopped down in it with a thump.
“Fine,” she snapped. “But just so you know, I hate this shit. I’ve never been good at the political crap. It’s Art you should be talking to. I’m just the hand to the mind. Don’t get pissy if I end up saying something rude. You’re the one who told me to sit.”
“We can appreciate being blunt a whole lot more than bandying words,” Rodridck said with a smile. “I’m glad you decided to speak with us. I much preferred this to the alternative.”
“Just tell me what you want. And what were you saying about Art playing dirty cards? All we’ve done is observe you. That’s hardly anything special. You’ve been doing the same to us.”
Arwin wasn’t sure if Vix was telling the truth or not, but she sounded sincere enough. That analysis would have to be left to Rodrick, but it was impossible to tell what the man was thinking.
“Just observing? I’d say it was a bit more than that,” Rodrick said with a shake of his head. “But it’s no matter. I prefer you make it to your father in time, so I’ll lay everything on the table in a moment. But first I want you to tell me something. What do you think Art is thinking right now?”
“What?” Vix blinked. “How would I know? He’s the genius, not me. I just stab things.”